Despite NOTAMs closing 32 airports across North and West India, Delhi Airport continues smooth operations with enhanced security checks and advisories for travelers.
New Delhi [India], May 11: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) has issued a statement confirming that all operations at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi are proceeding smoothly, despite regional airspace disruptions and tighter security measures.
In an official travel advisory released Sunday, DIAL stated,
“Delhi Airport operations continue to run smoothly. However, in light of evolving airspace dynamics and heightened security protocols mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, there may be adjustments to flight schedules and longer wait times at security checkpoints.”
The advisory was issued as a precautionary measure following an unprecedented wave of military and security escalations, which saw the temporary closure of 32 civilian airports in Northern and Western India by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other aviation authorities.
✈️ Full Passenger Advisory
The Delhi Airport operator strongly urged passengers to follow these guidelines:
- Stay updated via official airline communication channels.
- Adhere to cabin and check-in baggage rules to avoid delays.
- Arrive well in advance to account for extended security screening procedures.
- Cooperate fully with airline and security staff for smooth facilitation.
- Verify flight status through airline platforms or the official Delhi Airport website.
- Avoid spreading unverified information and depend solely on official sources for updates.
“We strongly advise all passengers to depend exclusively on official updates for accurate information and to refrain from circulating unverified content,” DIAL emphasized.
🚫 32 Airports Closed Temporarily
While Delhi remains operational, 32 airports across India have been temporarily shut for civil aviation operations due to ongoing security and military operations in the wake of cross-border hostilities.
As per the Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by aviation authorities, these closures are in effect from May 9 to May 14, extending up to 0529 IST on May 15, 2025.
List of affected airports includes:
Adampur, Ambala, Amritsar, Awantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Bikaner, Chandigarh, Halwara, Hindon, Jaisalmer, Jammu, Jamnagar, Jodhpur, Kandla, Kangra (Gaggal), Keshod, Kishangarh, Kullu Manali (Bhuntar), Leh, Ludhiana, Mundra, Naliya, Pathankot, Patiala, Porbandar, Rajkot (Hirasar), Sarsawa, Shimla, Srinagar, Thoise, and Uttarlai.
These airports are primarily defense airfields with shared civil operations and have been shut for “operational reasons”, the NOTAM noted.
🔥 Background: Retaliatory Strikes & Ongoing Tensions
The advisories and airspace restrictions follow intense cross-border military action over the weekend. According to official sources, India carried out retaliatory airstrikes early Saturday, targeting four airbases in Pakistan. This was in response to Pakistan launching attacks on 26 locations across Indian territory.
Sources confirmed that intermittent exchange of fire is still ongoing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, sparking nationwide security precautions including heightened military readiness and civilian alerts in sensitive zones like Punjab, Jammu, and Ladakh.
🛫 Summary
While Delhi Airport remains fully operational, passengers are advised to stay alert for changes in flight timings, especially for travel routes heading north or west. With a volatile security situation and temporary suspension at other key airports, travelers are urged to plan ahead, arrive early, and remain calm as authorities monitor the evolving situation.
Further updates will be shared via official airline and airport channels.